Toy Story 5: the first reactions have arrived

Published June 10, 2026, 12:08 a.m. EDT

Matthew Rudoy is one of ScreenRantThe film and television news editors of . He covers film and television news, with a focus on major franchises like Star Wars, The boys, And Game of Thronesand also writes some features and reviews. He wrote lists for ScreenRant from 2017 to 2022, became a news editor in 2023, a senior editor in 2024, and a senior editor in 2025.

The first reactions to Toy Story 5 have arrived.

The Pixar sequel stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack reprising their respective roles as Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie. They and their fellow toys now face a new challenge, namely a tablet named Lilypad (Greta Lee) and technology’s growing grip on Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) and other children. It is the first installment in the animated franchise to be rated PG, and it was directed and written by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris.

Now, following the Toy Story 5 premiered in Los Angeles, the first reactions are there. GizmodoIt is Germain Lussier shared this “Toy Story 5 is a little disjointed at first as it builds several different plotlines, but they eventually pay off with a phenomenal third act filled with all the heart and humor you expect from Pixar. Top-notch stuff. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.”

ColliderIt is Meredith Loftus celebrated how “Toy Story 5 hit me where I wasn’t prepared! Exploring the divide between technology and toys through Jessie results in a deeply profound and moving story that had me in tears. I put it up there with Toy Story 2 and 3. It *is* excellent!”

Daniel Baptiste from the film podcast pointed out that “Pixar’s #ToyStory5 is a GENERATION-DEFINING experience and exactly the story we need right now. Pixar once again delivers a meaningful, emotional and masterful must-see film. Conan as Smarty Pants is an all-time great TS character. It’s Jessie’s story, and our sheriff shines.”

LaughPlace.com points out that it’s not Woody or Buzz who are the focus of the film and that this is a positive adjustment for the franchise: “Toy Story 5 is Jessie’s movie, and it’s exactly what the franchise needed. Joan Cusack breaks your heart as the yodelling cowgirl rediscovers her purpose. It’s full of laughs and delivers tears of emotion and joy.”

THE Pixar Article Podcast has yet another positive first reaction, taking note of the film’s underlying themes and the bright humor that comes from a new and established character: “Toy Story 5 is all about friendship, loyalty, and the feeling of having someone on your side when the world changes around you. The emotions run deep, but the humor runs strong as Smarty Pants and Forky deliver some of the biggest laughs in film. We can’t wait to see it again!”

Film and television journalist Scott Menzel maintains that Toy Story 5 is tied with the first three films, believes it could become one of the best films of 2026 and that Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” deserves an Oscar nomination:

Toy Story 5 is a wonderfully heartfelt return to form for Pixar Animation Studios and a reminder of why the Toy Story franchise remains one of the greatest film series ever made.
Toy Story 5 ranks right alongside the first three films, delivering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and iconic Pixar magic.
Even as the story explores the battle between toys and technology, it never loses sight of what makes these characters so special.
Heartwarming, hilarious, and truly moving, Toy Story 5 could very well end up being one of the best films of 2026.
Plus, Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” needs to be in the running for Best Original Song this awards season! Toy Story 5, just like the first, second and third parts, is an animated masterpiece.

Swift not only attended the premiere, but performed “I Knew It, I Knew You” live, in addition to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” alongside Randy Newman. Her involvement in the film wasn’t officially revealed until June 1, and even the film’s stars weren’t aware of it until recently.

The overwhelmingly positive early reactions bode well for the film’s critical and commercial performance, especially after fan skepticism about expanding the franchise. A recurring note in the reactions is Toy Story 5the plot be compelling and have the heart, humor and timeless lessons of its predecessors. There are also many favorable comparisons to the first three films, which are widely considered among the best, although Toy Story 4 still has a near-perfect 97% critic score and 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Both Toy Story 3 And Toy Story 4 grossed over $1 billion worldwide.

The confirmation that Jessie is the true star of the film matches what the film’s creative team has said previously, as well as what has been teased in the marketing. With so many long-running characters in the sequel, it would be easy for newcomers to be overlooked, but Conan O’Brien’s Smarty Pants still manages to be a highlight mentioned in many reactions.

Alongside Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Lilypad, Smarty Pants and Forky (Tony Hale), the cast of characters includes Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Slinky Dog (Blake Clark), Bo Peep (Annie Potts), Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), Dolly (Bonnie Hunt), Trixie (Kristen Schaal), Atlas (Craig Robinson), Snappy (Shelby Rabara), Dr. Nutcase. (Matty Matheson), Karen Beverly (Melissa Villaseñor), Alan Cumming as an evil version of Bullseye and Mykal-Michelle Harris as an eight-year-old girl named Blaze.

Toy Story 5 redesign Mr. Potato Head with Jeff Bergman, Mrs. Potato Head with Anna Vocino and Fight Carl with Ernie Hudson due to the deaths of Don Rickles, Estelle Harris and Carl Weathers. Bonnie is now voiced by Scarlett Spears due to the time that has passed since the previous film and John Hopkins now voices Mr. Pricklepants instead of Timothy Dalton.

Toy Story 5 released in theaters on June 19.